Chapter 163 – The Main Story’s Conclusion

Chapter 163 - The Main Story's Conclusion

As the ship docked, Li Ai eagerly rushed onto the deck and straight towards Meng Die.

After several years apart, Li Ai gazed at Meng Die, his voice somewhat hoarse as he spoke, "Why have you lost so much weight? You didn't take good care of yourself."

Meng Die looked back at Li Ai, her voice quivering with emotion, "And you have the nerve to say that? This is from being on a ship for too long. Look at you, you've also lost weight."

Wrapping his arms tightly around Meng Die, Li Ai could no longer contain his longing. All thoughts of rules and etiquette vanished—his only desire now was to hold her close.

Meng Die clung to Li Ai just as tightly, without any trace of embarrassment.

Amidst the surrounding cheers and whistles, an act often criticized was now filled with merriment.

After a long embrace, the couple finally released each other but their fingers remained interlaced.

Meng Die turned around and, upon seeing her parents standing on the dock, froze in disbelief. "Father, Mother." She released Li Ai's hand and rushed towards them.

Jin Shi held Meng Die, tears rolling down her cheeks. Ever since Meng Die was married at sixteen and they all moved to Ganzhou, the only time they had seen Meng Changsheng was when he returned to the capital for his promotion to Governor of Liaoning Province to give thanks. That brief encounter was nearly a decade ago.

Meng Die emerged from Shen's embrace to give Meng Changsheng a heartfelt hug. The emotionally restrained Meng Changsheng's eyes instantly reddened. He hastily wiped his eyes while Meng Die wasn't looking, but forgot that they were surrounded by a sea of people; his subtle action was seen by the onlooking crowd.

"I pay my respects to my father-in-law and mother-in-law."

Shen gazed at Li Ai. She had been as dissatisfied with Meng Die's marriage back then as she was pleased with it now. There could be no better son-in-law in the world than Li Ai.

Meng Changsheng patted Li Ai's arm warmly. "Excellent, excellent!"

The family began their journey back home.

Amidst the crowd, someone suddenly called out, "County Lady Meng, we have sugar jars now!"

Meng Die paused in her steps and looked in the direction of the voice. It was a woman with a weathered face. A smile tugged at Meng Die's lips. "Excellent, it seems life is improving!"

This seemingly triggered some sort of communal enthusiasm, and the people began to shout one after another.

"I've made my daughter a silk robe with mulberry silk, so smooth and delightful!"

"County Lady Meng, the iron hoe heads are very efficient."

"Meng County Princess, it's still better to have a daughter."

Meng Die chuckled. "Both sons and daughters are one's own flesh and blood."

"Meng County Princess, I can read now! It's really useful. Last time I went to work in the city, that wicked boss tried to cheat me, but I saw through his trick."

"How dare he try to cheat you? Did you report him to the authorities?"

"No." Before anyone could scold him, the young man flashed a row of pearly white teeth. "As soon as he saw I could read, he was so scared that he immediately compensated me three hundred cash. Since I earned three hundred cash without doing any work, I didn't report him to the officials. Then, I secretly hid in a corner where he couldn't see me, watching to see if he would still try to cheat others. Perhaps he learned his lesson from paying the money, because he didn't cheat anyone else after that. He got off easy."

"Ahaha..." The crowd burst into laughter.

Meng Die also couldn't help but chuckle. Listening to the familiar language, seeing the familiar yellow-skinned people, and stepping on the land beneath her feet, it was in this moment that Meng Die gained a clear realization – she had returned. She was back in the Great Yi Dynasty, back in the land that had nurtured her.

Arriving at the post station, Madam Shen glanced at the sky. "I've prepared a welcome feast for you. Should we have it at noon or in the evening?"

Meng Die replied, "Let's have it in the evening. I've just disembarked from the boat, and my legs still feel a bit weak."

Madam Shen nodded repeatedly. "Go rest in the house first. I'll send someone later with some light congee and side dishes to fill your stomach."

Meng Die's eyes curved into a warm smile. "Thank you, Mother."

Overjoyed, Madam Shen hurried to make the necessary preparations. Li Ai accompanied Meng Die into the room.

Meng Die inquired, "Did you not sleep well last night?" With those few words, the years they had spent apart seemed to vanish, as if they had always been living together.

Li Ai replied, "I didn't sleep well."

Meng Die took hold of Li Ai's hand. "Then stay with me for a while and let's sleep."

Li Ai: "Very well."

Upon waking up, both Meng Die and Li Ai were rejuvenated. As Meng Die freshened up, she asked, "Where's Xue Qing?" Knowing that she was back, it was impossible for Xue Qing not to come to meet them.

Li Ai: "She's been delayed by the heavy snow."

"Really?" Meng Die looked at Li Ai in surprise, then through the glass window at the vibrant late spring scenery outside. "At this time, the capital must be even warmer than areas beyond the pass, right?"

Lu Wei and Meihong also turned their gazes to Li Ai, their shock evident in their eyes.

Li Ai: "Xue Qing isn't in the capital. Not long after you set sail overseas, she taught her new curtain patterns to Ying'er and Tao'er before embarking on a journey to instruct weavers across the land. When you wrote to us, she was invited by the Khan of Mongolia to refine the technique for weaving woolen rugs. On her return, she went to Xinjiang, and my messengers, trying to deliver a letter to her, ended up being trapped there as well."

Meng Die couldn't help but burst into laughter. "She's really made a name for herself, becoming a honored guest of the Mongolian Khan."

Li Ai: "Indeed, over the years, she has traveled extensively throughout the Great Yi Dynasty, sharing her techniques with many. The people have taken to calling her a goddess of weaving, addressing her as Empress Weaver."

Meng Die's smile stretched wide. "Xue Qing has always loved dyeing, embroidery, and weaving since she was young. I imagine she must be delightfully happy every day now."

Li Ai nodded. "She is. Speaking of Xue Qing, why didn't Xing Huang and Tu Ying come back with her?"

Meng Die: "Xing Huang spent the past two years assisting me, barely delving into foreign cooking techniques or exploring their ingredients. Only after I settled down did she have time for her own pursuits. Now, who knows which country she and Tu Ying are in; they probably won't return for another two or three years."

The couple chatted about miscellaneous trivia as they finished tidying up, then moved to the specially prepared courtyard.

Madam Shen: "The inn is simple, with no grand halls. The climate here is pleasant, and there are no bugs at this time. So, I decided to set the table in the yard."

Meng Die: "Mother's idea is excellent. Dining under the moonlight and candlelight is so romantic. Whoever hears of it will surely praise your ingenuity."

Madam Shen playfully scolded, "You're the one with the silver tongue."

Meng Die chuckled.

The nanny standing by Madam Shen said, "Ladies, this table is prepared for you. Manager Jia and Manager Hong, this one is for you."

Meng Changsheng spoke up, "Don't be too formal, let's all eat together." This was addressed to Lu Wei, Meihong, and Jia Ning, whose table was also in the courtyard, indicating they were being treated as family.

Madam Shen also urged, "There are no outsiders here, so let's all dine together."

Lu Wei, Meihong, and Jia Ning expressed their gratitude, while Hulu and Hong Bin both acknowledged that they were benefiting from the presence of Lu Wei and her companions.

No sooner had she taken her seat when an official from the relay station knocked on the courtyard door and announced, "Venerable Lord Meng, some common folk have sent over some food, saying it's to welcome the County Princess."

In principle, Meng Die and her people would never consume such untraceable edibles. The official likely understood this, as he didn't even dare lift his head after speaking.

Meng Die pondered for a moment before responding, "Bring them all in then. I'd like to taste the local specialties."

Madam Shen hesitated, waiting until the delighted official left to deliver the message before she asked, "Is that really alright?"

Meng Die replied, "The messenger must be well-versed in the rules. If he still dared to deliver the message, it implies that they're acquaintances."

Meng Changsheng nodded, "They should be genuine local citizens." The minor official was indeed from the area.

Madame Shen's worry transformed into delight as she gazed at Meng Die, her face beaming with pride. Her daughter was genuinely beloved by the people.

However, Madam Shen's smile soon vanished, replaced by astonishment. The common folk had indeed sent food.

At first, it was unclear what the people had in mind; each dish was meager, barely enough for a single bite for Meng Changsheng, Madame Shen, Meng Die, and Li Ai.

But as more dishes were served, the truth became clear. Not only would they not fit on one table, but even two or three tables wouldn't suffice. There were easily over a hundred dishes in total.

With the final dish served, the modest official hesitantly spoke, "All these dishes were prepared with ingredients grown by the common folk in their own homes. The cooking was done by those who run eateries and stalls in the city. Some of them specialized in similar dishes, so they had a friendly competition behind the scenes. In the end, those recognized for preparing the most delectable dishes did them personally."

His words were unremarkable, even slightly disjointed due to his excitement.

Meng Die's eyes welled up with tears. "Thank you. Please convey my gratitude to everyone."

The official replied, "Lady Meng, enjoy your meal at your leisure."

"Very well, I will make sure to taste every single one," she assured him.

"Ah," the clerk's exclamation was unusually loud.

Madame Shen dabbed at the corners of her eyes with a handkerchief. "With so many dishes, you couldn't possibly taste them all even if you only took a bite from each."

Meng Die replied, "Then we'll save them for tomorrow."

Madame Shen didn't forbid eating leftovers but instead responded with a smile, "That works too."

By the end of the meal, not just Meng Die, but Meng Changsheng, Madame Shen, and Li Ai were all thoroughly stuffed. As they strolled under the moonlight to aid their digestion that evening, Meng Changsheng couldn't help but remark, "I never would have imagined that there'd be a day when I'd eat so much that I'd feel overwhelmed."

Madam Shen: "Who could have predicted that?"

Meng Die: "But it's delicious, isn't it?"

Li Ai: "Indeed, the taste is remarkable. The meat noodles remind me of those Hulu used to bring back."

Hulu: "Though it's just a stall, their meat noodles are unparalleled in Daning City. It's no surprise they were chosen."

Meng Die and Li Ai stayed in Daning City for three days, primarily because it took Meng Die three days to finish all the food. To prevent spoilage, they reheated the dishes repeatedly, altering their original flavors. Nevertheless, Meng Die still enjoyed her meals with great pleasure.

Leaving Daning City, Meng Die and Li Ai embarked on their journey back to the capital. They arrived at dusk, just as the sun was setting.

Their convoy had barely reached the city gates when a barrage of pounding sounds filled the air. Lu Wei lifted the carriage curtains, revealing a dazzling display of fireworks that illuminated half the sky.

Meng Die never considered herself an easily moved person, but since setting foot on the soil of Daning City, her emotions had become increasingly more susceptible.

In the twenty-fifth year of Tian Ding, County Princess Meng Die returned to the imperial capital.

The emperor, acknowledging her meritorious service in protecting the sovereign abroad, granted her two grand manors in the outskirts of the city. The researchers who accompanied Meng Die were housed in the newly constructed research institute by the Ministry of Works. The entire team was content, with attendants taking care of their daily chores and laundry, a cafeteria providing delicious meals, leaving them free to focus solely on their beloved research—especially since the food was simply superb!

In the 31st year of Tian Ding, as the first snow fell upon the capital city, the emperor fell ill with a cold.

Meng Die waited two days in her mansion for Li Ai, who finally returned with a somber expression: "His Majesty's condition is quite severe."

Her heartstrings trembled. "What did the court physicians say?"

Li Ai replied, "They mentioned that there's no cause for great concern this time. However, the emperor can no longer endure exhaustion and must be well-rested."

Meng Die sighed. "These past years have been too trying on His Majesty."

Meng Die spoke these words to Li Ai, and in the palace, the Empress also addressed the newly awakened Emperor with similar concerns: "In ordinary folk's homes, one begins to enjoy their twilight years at sixty; yet Your Majesty has not a moment's respite, even less leisure than an old farmer in the fields."

Realizing he had alarmed the Empress, the Emperor reassured her, "You're right. As the ruler of this nation, it's time for me to enjoy some comfort."

The Empress then wiped away her tears and smiled.

In the 31st year of Tian Ding, the Emperor issued an edict entrusting the governance of the kingdom to Princess Qing Yi, the Imperial Grandson.

In the spring of the 32nd year of Tian Ding, the Emperor abdicated the throne in favor of the Imperial Grandson, who changed the name of the dynasty to Qi Yuan.

Emperor Tianding and his empress retreated to the depths of the palace to recuperate. Occasionally, they would disguise themselves and stroll through the food stalls west of the capital city, as described by Li Ai, it made them feel ten years younger in half a year.

In the second year of Qi Yuan, Grand Tutor Qiao Wanming resigned from his position, and all officials bade him farewell. Ren Qinghua took over as the prime minister, while Meng Tingyi became the fourth counselor. However, this was only a temporary arrangement; everyone knew that within three to four years, the chief counselors would have to be replaced. The reason was simple: they were all advancing in age, and Ren Qinghua had already surpassed sixty.

In the fourth year of Qi Yuan, despite the objections of the courtiers, the emperor issued an imperial edict ordering his eldest legitimate son to study under Meng Die.

Many renowned scholars and officials were on the verge of collapse. This was the eldest legitimate son, not just any prince; without unforeseen circumstances, he would be the future emperor of the Great Yi Dynasty. In all of history, when had there ever been a female imperial tutor?

Petitions poured into the capital like falling snowflakes, and the assembled officials, setting aside their usual cautious behavior, repeatedly gathered to discuss how to dissuade the emperor from his decision.

There are those who cling to tradition, and then there are those who take advantage of chaos with ill intentions.

When Meng Die returned from overseas years ago, she brought with her a thousand delicate pistols. As a result, the Great Yi Dynasty's military saw the emergence of genuine female soldiers, shattering the age-old convention that women were forbidden from serving in the armed forces.

Power is often synonymous with military might, a principle well understood by many. If Meng Die were to become the Imperial Preceptor, she would wield influence and prestige. From then on, it would be inevitable for women in various domains to seek a share of the men's privileges. This could not be allowed to happen.

Li Ai looked at Meng Die with a smile. "Would you like to attend the court session?"

Meng Die remained composed, "Why attend the court session? To scold them? Expose their hidden intentions? It's merely a waste of breath, not worth the effort."

Both Meng Die and Li Ai were well aware that the emperor would not back down.

Emperor Tianding did not abdicate. The emperor's own father, once a crown prince, now holds the title of Emperor Emeritus. With these two towering figures in place, many court officials do not readily accept the young emperor. On the surface, this matter of a woman becoming an imperial tutor is about a female assuming a prestigious role; subtly, it is also a contest of wills between the youthful monarch and the courtiers.

The entire empire soon witnessed the young emperor's tactics. Those who had danced with joy, held selfish intentions, and were quite influential were unmercifully cast into the Tai Li Shi prison.

As the other courtiers subtly insinuated that the emperor was settling personal scores, he, with deliberate calm, presented the meticulously investigated charges right in their faces, delivering a literal slap of humiliation.

"Haha..." Meng Die chuckled, young people indeed had their own fiery spirits.

In the fourth year of the Qiyuan era, on the Mid-Autumn Festival, Emperor's eldest son, Prince Sheng, officially took Meng Die as his mentor. The following year, he was enthroned as the Crown Prince, and Meng Die was bestowed the title of Grand Tutor to the Crown Prince.

Upon Prince Sheng's ascension to the throne, he honored Meng Die as the Grand Preceptor. Thus, Meng Die became the first female Imperial Preceptor in history, etching her name in the annals of time.

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